iUniverse Bloghttp://blog.iuniverse.com
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 04:25:20 +0000en-UShourly1Making Your Writing “Accessible”http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/making-your-writing-accessible/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/making-your-writing-accessible/#commentsWed, 16 Aug 2017 04:09:38 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6837Making your writing accessible to readers is arguably the most important quality for an author to remember. When we say “accessible”, we mean “readable and understandable”, rather than “obtainable”.

Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake”, one of the most inaccessible books of all time.

Far too many authors, especially of non-fiction, fall into a mode of self-indulgence when writing, or of trying to show off the vastness of their learning and research. Modern scholarship favors a writing style that informs the reader in a clear, crisp manner. After all, the goal of your book is to help readers understand your subject better.

With this in mind, we offer several tips on how to make sure your book is accessible to a reader who is a non-expert in your subject.

Don’t assume that your readers are as well-read as you are. Unless you are writing a book for a very small coterie of people, keep in mind that that the casual reader has not done as much research as you have.

Make sure to include dates. When referring to historical figures, always give their birth and death dates. This helps your reader to know more about their relevance to the context. Remember to also include the dates for historical events.

Don’t make allusions to tons of other works, particularly obscure ones. If you must make an allusion, make sure to give the reader some knowledge about that text. Readers don’t want to be referring to Wikipedia constantly.

Use only one language throughout the text. Authors sometimes like to demonstrate their linguistic flair via stating something in a different language, especially a witticism, though there’s no point in doing this if readers don’t know that language. Keep your Latin epigrams to yourself.

Further to the point above, avoid the overuse of long, polysyllabic words and lengthy sentences. Again, your goal is to communicate information and to thereby educate the reader.

J.R.R. Tolkien

While fiction has a bit more flexibility, keep in mind that vagueness and confusion will alienate readers. The classic example of what not to do is James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake, written in self-indulgent drivel, and widely regarded as a selfish joke for the author’s own amusement – not to mention a waste of time and money! Examples of fiction that is complex and still accessible include Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and the writings of the better sci-fi authors, e.g. Frank Herbert.

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/making-your-writing-accessible/feed/0iUniverse presents tips for using the “hook”http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/tips-for-using-the-hook-081417/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/tips-for-using-the-hook-081417/#commentsMon, 14 Aug 2017 03:02:17 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6208Creating a good hook is not easy, but it is so essential that it is worth almost any amount of time and energy. The hook is third after front cover and back-cover blurb in the sequence of what makes readers want to buy your book. When a reader looks at your first paragraph, it is a pivotal opportunity to generate a sale.

While not every first line can be totally engaging, the first paragraph has to have something in it that elevates interest. And the first page needs to make one want to turn to the second. While there is no perfect formula, there are certainly some patterns that have emerged as to what constitutes an effective beginning of a book. iUniverse is happy to suggest the following:

Start off simple and strong. A long opening sentence feels unwelcome to most modern readers. Keep in mind that most of these individuals are browsing in a bookstore or online and want something that feels direct and unique.

Introduce a character. Too many lines on a setting or time period will not engage the reader as strongly as a flesh-and-blood person. Novels live through characters, not through settings.

Establish conflict as early as you can. Conflict gives an adrenaline rush to a reader’s curiosity. Any sudden incident or unusual situation can help hook a reader.

Live on the edge. Further to the above, novels are about taking conflict and encapsulating it into short situations. Each chapter provides an opportunity for cliffhangers and “edgy” scenes, making your readers eager for more.

Examples are helpful here, and iUniverse has selected a few from the world of literature for your edification:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. A highly recognizable line from English literature, it gives us an indication of what the novel with be about: marriage among the upper classes.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.” – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This line enables the reader to see that the novel will recount something meaningful in the speaker’s past.

“He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.” – Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini. It is difficult to resist a line like this, as it paints such an interesting and stimulating portrait of a character – with an economy of words. The reader also has an indication that the book will be humorous and adventurous.

“The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning.” – Casino Royale by Ian Fleming. Here, the reader is intrigued by the scene as well as the hour. The use of the word “nauseating” lets us know that the story will have a hard edge to it. And as a James Bond story, it certainly does.

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/tips-for-using-the-hook-081417/feed/0iU’s Ken Patterson and “The Extraterrestrials”http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/ius-ken-patterson-and-the-extraterrestrials/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/ius-ken-patterson-and-the-extraterrestrials/#commentsThu, 10 Aug 2017 04:18:42 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6689iUniverse author Ken Patterson tells us about his third book, The Extraterrestrials! In an Adventure with the American Army.

My new work of humorous fiction is the third book I’ve published. I hold a BA in Creative Writing, and my two children and I live in Connecticut.

The majority of my writings have been influenced by a wide range of fiction, but the aforementioned novel was patterned specifically after Gideon Defoe’s series of humorous pirate books.

The Extraterrestrials! In an Adventure with the American Army, subtitled The True Story of What Happened at Roswell, New Mexico, is the story of a few unfortunate graynauts, who after crashing near Roswell, New Mexico in 1947, embark on a road trip to Santa Fe with the hope of contacting earth-based kinfolk who can help crashed glieseans get back home.

The one message I would like to convey to readers with my most recent publication is to remember not to take life so seriously, and that laughter can sometimes not only make people feel better, but it can even help them reach their ultimate destinations with a lot less unhappiness.

I have a sequel to The Extraterrestrials! In an Adventure with the American Army in the works in my head, but I haven’t put anything on paper yet. I’d like to find out how well-received the first Extraterrestrials book is before I start writing another one.

My book’s marketing and promotional plans are still in their infancy, as this book was only released about a week ago, but I’ve been toying with a few ideas to get it more recognized. Good research and planning seem to be key. More research and less impulsivity is my mantra of late.

My favorite part of the iUniverse publishing experience was overseeing The Extraterrestrials! design. To actually see something innately mine manifest itself into its physical birth, with a face, so to speak, and a body, was worth every penny.

The only advice I would give to other authors is carpe diem. Your book isn’t going to publish itself.

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/ius-ken-patterson-and-the-extraterrestrials/feed/0Douglas Gardham, one of iU’s finest, on his writing mentalityhttp://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/douglas-gardham-writing-mentality-080717/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/douglas-gardham-writing-mentality-080717/#commentsMon, 07 Aug 2017 02:52:27 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=5991iUniverse’s Douglas Gardham, author of The Actor and The Drive In, kindly shares with us an insight into his authorial mentality.

I write. That’s what I do. It’s what I’ve always done. Only I didn’t know it.

Writing is something I can’t not do. I control my fingers on the keyboard and what comes out on the screen. I control the movements of my pen on what comes out on the paper. I control what I write down. I do not control the thoughts that come into my head or my need to write them down.

In writing, I control what stays and what doesn’t. I am the great adder and subtractor. I control when I start and stop and when I’m finished. But the when and why of what comes into my mind—nada.

Writing is like a muscle that requires daily exercise. It atrophies quickly though I’ve rarely missed a day in twenty years. Like a muscle it needs to be stretched and pushed to grow. And much like a sport, I need to practice it over and over and over…

Sometimes I feel like I’m chasing something, trying to keep up with what’s coming out. My fear—I won’t catch up. I won’t get there—wherever there is—and what I need to write down will escape. Other times I feel like I’m drawing from a deep well, impossibly deep in the abyss of my imagination. So deep that I find places of divine beauty and profane horror, of grace and disgust, of joy and sorrow, of happiness and sadness that pours out on the page before me.

Author Douglas Gardham (right)

It must come out. I must take it out. Whether I chase it or pull it. It’s there for me to take. Sometimes the words fall into sentences and sentences into story. Sometimes they don’t. I keep learning. Whether I’m out of breath or out of strength matters little. The story wants to be told, needs to be told and wants me to tell it.

Whether I’m wide-awake or barely conscious. The words come. The sentences form. Sometimes they’re together. Sometimes they’re in pieces. Oh, the dream to write a sentence without feeling it needs to change. But still they come for the story—the all-important story.It’s always about the story. The story that combines the inside with the outside and the stuff that’s in between. It speaks to who we are, our uniqueness and our humanity.

Writing is a gift, and at times, a confused curse. Being relentless to that taskmaster is what I do. It matters little whether it comes from within or outside. It’s not for me to discern.

As Robert Frost once said, “Writing a poem is discovering.” Writing is discovering and all that accompanies the discovery.
Writing is what I do. It’s what I’ve always done, not that I knew it. I know it now.

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/douglas-gardham-writing-mentality-080717/feed/0iU’s Monique Donyale tells us about new book, “Forgotten Pieces”http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/monique-donyale-forgotten-pieces/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/monique-donyale-forgotten-pieces/#commentsThu, 03 Aug 2017 04:56:01 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6687iUniverse author Monique Donyale gives us insights into her new self-empowerment book, FORGOTTEN PIECES: A Life Skills Guide for Teens and Young Adults.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Elizabeth NJ. I am the CEO of Monique Donyale Productions LLC one of the fastest growing Self-Empowerment businesses worldwide. I started out as a licensed cosmetologist who excelled her craft into 28 years of experience in Self-Esteem building, hosting fashion shows, business management, motivational speaking and many other entrepreneur endeavors. I wrote and produced a stage play called The Shop, an internet radio show called “The Monique Donyale Show” and now I am the author of FORGOTTEN PIECES: A Life Skills Guide for teens and young adults. My mission is to educate kids, teenagers and adults about the importance of image, presentation and etiquette while teaching them the qualities that winners possess, such as commitment, persistence, confidence, time management and goal setting.

Do you have any particular literary influences that have helped you develop in your genre, subject, and style? What inspired you to write your book?

My inspiration is my beautiful daughter Champayne. Champayne is now 20 and attending New York Film Academy in Burbank , CA for acting. Being a single mom and always interacting with her and her friends, I found myself being a role model to a bunch of teens, male and female. Talking to my daughter and her friends led me to write this book because I realized that life skills was a missing component in many teens’ and young adults’ lives, mainly due to parents’ work schedules. Speaking at high schools also encouraged me because there are a lot of teens and young adults in group homes, foster care and halfway houses that may not have the same upbringing as more fortunate kids, and I feel that this guide will fulfill that missing component.

What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?

“Beauty Starts Within”. Life Skills is an important element in becoming a prepared adult. Take your time to set goals, use time management, and find your divine purpose, and life will be a navigator to your success.

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

Yes, I will be working on the second edition soon which will elaborate more on life skills and your divine purpose.

Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with iUniverse?

My favorite part was outlining the book and including as much informative information as possible that can help other people. The consultants at iUniverse were knowledgeable, patient and caring about having my book ready for release in a timely fashion

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

It took me 4 years to release my book, not because it took that long to write but I had invested in other business venture while preparing this book. iUniverse kept in close contact with me to finish the book even after I had fully paid for the services. That showed me that it wasn’t just about the money but that iUniverse really wanted me to succeed and finish the book. Again I thank iUniverse for your dedication to my project, and no matter how long it takes to complete your manuscript, stay focused, set a goal and never give up.

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/monique-donyale-forgotten-pieces/feed/0iUniverse presents Writers Lost and Found: Robert Herrickhttp://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-robert-herrick-073017/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-robert-herrick-073017/#commentsSun, 30 Jul 2017 03:16:53 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6192iUniverse is happy to present a new installment in our “Writers Lost and Found” series, this time turning our attention to poetry. British essayist Sir Francis Bacon once wrote that “Histories make men wise; poets, witty; the mathematics, subtle”, and iUniverse wishes to encourage people to read poetry. The benefits of keeping poetry in your reading diet include the use of words that evoke the senses as well as reinforcement of how to write concisely.

The first poet in this series is Robert Herrick, who lived a rather long life from 1591 to 1674. As a country clergyman living in a remote part of England, Herrick was rather removed from the political instability of the time – which consisted of civil war, the beheading of King Charles, a new system of government run by Puritans, and then the restoration of the monarchy.

Herrick is often overlooked in anthologies and is often given minimal inclusion. He tends to be sandwiched between George Herbert, a religious poet of the same time period, and John Donne, whose “metaphysical” poetry has gained in popularity in the last half century and is highly prized by the academic establishment. Many anthologies only include Herrick’s most famous poem, “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time”. The poem carries the theme of carpe diem, Latin for “seize the day”.

There are many qualities that make Herrick a great poet to read. For one, there is a great variety of topics to his poetry, ranging from pagan household gods, imaginary young female lovers, religion, friendship, eating, drinking, and festivals. His diction is more modern than that of Shakespeare and often very direct, though he is able to use words in unique and stimulating ways. One example is in the short poem “Upon Julia’s Clothes”, when Herrick writes,

Whenas in silks my Julia goes,

Then, then methinks how sweetly flows

That liquefaction of her clothes.

Here, Herrick appeals directly to our senses, with a very palpable imagery, and also uses the rare word “liquefaction”. This creative combination of metaphor and diction can be found in many of his works.

Herrick also was one of the first English poets to celebrate rural life. He captures the festivals of England’s countryside folk in poems such as “Corinna’s Going a-Maying”, fusing his sophisticated versification with the theme of pastoral contentment and simplicity. His general positivity and humor also make him a pleasant poet to read.

While most of Herrick’s poems can be found in his collection, Hesperides, here are some suggested poems to check out online, in addition to those mentioned above:

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-robert-herrick-073017/feed/0iUniverse presents Writers Lost and Found: Sir Walter Scotthttp://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-sir-walter-scott-072317/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-sir-walter-scott-072317/#commentsSun, 23 Jul 2017 03:01:28 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6184In our first “Writers Lost and Found” segment, iUniverse discussed the reasons for why some great writers have been forgotten or increasingly ignored over the years. iUniverse believes that excellent writers – particularly successful ones – are superb sources from which aspiring authors can learn.

Today, we discuss the writing propensities of Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish writer whose life dates, 1771-1832, have been used to demark the Romantic period in Literature. Scott was once considered household reading as well as required reading for high school classes, though his reputation has declined due to the whims of modern academics (see first installment) and criticism from Mark Twain (who actually owed a lot of his writing approach to Scott).

A lawyer by profession, Scott was the most successful novelist of his day. He wrote prolifically and was able to save a large holding company from bankruptcy with the proceeds from his novels. Meanwhile, he built a large estate called Abbotsford and otherwise lived the life of a prosperous country gentleman.

Scott was the first major writer of historical fiction, and it is due to him that the genre gained popularity. Nearly all of Scott’s novels take place at some period of Scottish history, though his most famous book, Ivanhoe, takes place in England during the late 1100s, in the reign of Richard the Lion-hearted. Scott harnessed the interest that readers had in ancient and past times and fused it with well-written storytelling.

Another aspect of Scott’s novels is his use of regionalism. Many of his Waverley novels (the general term for Scott’s books) take place in the Scottish countryside, particularly in the Highlands. These places of splendid natural beauty and mystery formed memorable backdrops to his tales of bravery and heroism. In short, he brought a place to life that was otherwise remote and inaccessible. Writers that can do the same will find themselves admired by many readers.

Fictional siblings, Emma and Ken, impart words of wisdom as they reflect back on lessons from their younger days while facing tough decisions in their middle school years. Within valuable life lessons that involve their teachers, neighbors, friends, and some not-so-friendly classmates and peers, Emma and Ken learn about kindness, healthy habits, confidence, body boundaries, the importance of helping others, and the Golden Rule. Through the included anecdotes and poems, parents are guided to be proactive instead of reactive, to listen, and most of all, to unconditionally love their children, every day and no matter what.

And can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am the proud mother of two amazing children, ages 12 and 13, and I have been married to my wonderful husband for 17 years. In addition to my blessed life with my family, I am thrilled each day to work with my high school students as a language arts teacher. I enjoy exercise and outdoor activities, and I have a true passion for literature and writing. My love of language and poetry has combined with my experiences as a parent and an educator to fulfill this dream of publishing my first book.

What inspired you to write your book?

As I selected literature to share with my children, I gravitated toward simple stories that created opportunities to discuss important issues and help instill necessary values. I love the idea of teaching lessons to kids, in the guise of entertaining them. I also appreciate all the great conversations these types of books started between my kids and myself.

Throughout the years, many people have asked for my advice on raising children, and I have found that my experiences were applicable and helpful to their situations as well. Because of these teachable moments and their relation to other parents we knew, my husband encouraged me to put my thoughts, ideas, and methods into a book. I feel that the focus that I have placed on values and morals with my own children will resonate with parents everywhere, through these simple and straightforward stories and poems.

What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?

I want readers to know that raising children is not easy, but the concept behind success is simple: put in the consistent work when kids are young, and the whole family will reap the rewards as they grow and develop into kind and helpful people.

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

I am developing a book that addresses challenges faced by high school age kids, as well as a book of personal poems.

Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?

I am currently working with iUniverse on the press release and social media ads that will accompany my book.

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with iUniverse?

My favorite part of the self-publishing process was the feeling of control and autonomy I had over my work. I also greatly appreciated the support and the attention to detail from customer service members that took my project seriously.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

If writing a book feels like an insurmountable task, take one small step at a time. That is the method that I have used for every long-term goal that I have set, and it has worked for me. If ten steps ahead feels too far away, take one step closer to your desired outcome.

]]>http://blog.iuniverse.com/author-blogs/farrah-m-walters-poetic-parenting/feed/0iUniverse presents Writers Lost and Found: Somerset Maughamhttp://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-somerset-071617-maugham/
http://blog.iuniverse.com/iuniverse-advice/writers-lost-and-found-somerset-071617-maugham/#commentsSun, 16 Jul 2017 02:55:49 +0000http://blog.iuniverse.com/?p=6179iUniverse recognises that many writers who have been successful in the past unfortunately no longer receive proper attention. However, we believe that every successful writer is worth examining. With this in mind, today we begin a series called “Writers Lost and Found”, with the aim of reviving interest in these authors and showing why they are worth reading and emulating.

The first writer that iUniverse will start with is W. Somerset Maugham (pronounced “Mawm”), who wrote between 1890 and 1940. No doubt you may have heard of Maugham and even his most famous work, Of Human Bondage. For the first few decades of the 20th century, Maugham was one of the most famous writers in the English-speaking world and was able to make a living off of his writing.

Maugham is an excellent writer to read, for several reasons. He writes in a clear, smooth style that is also intelligent. Similar to Washington Irving, he sounds like a very well-educated person who is not trying to show off. His short stories – which number over a hundred — blend intrigue, humour, and occasionally murder and tragedy, and are relaxing to read. Maugham creates interesting, realistic characters who capture the reader’s interest.

The author also writes frequently about his countrymen in foreign lands, particularly the Far East and the South Seas. He is able to integrate exotic scenes with characters drawn from everyday life.

As with many writers, Maugham has fallen from popularity because of shifting tastes in the academic literary establishment. The latter, starting after World War II, began valuing works exclusively based on “deep” themes rather than clarity of writing, readability, or popularity. The result is that many entertaining writers (who earned a lot of money) have disappeared from the literary canon, while books such as Moby Dick – which was a commercial failure – are held in high esteem. This is not to say that Maugham does not address deep themes; he is just more direct than other writers and gives priority to the storytelling.

To start reading Maugham, iUniverse suggests beginning with his short stories, which was really the area where he shined most. Suggestions for getting started include:

iUniverse trusts this helps

We at iUniverse want to make sure you are acquainted with writers who were successful. Make sure to check out the iUniverse site for more guidance. iUniverse will be back with more writers in its “Writers Lost and Found” series.

I wrote Something to Chew On: Digesting Healthy Spiritual Food for the Soul in the Calendar Year Ahead to inspire people to feel more motivated to get out in Nature, be open to receive the messages that Mother Earth has to give, and incorporate meditation into their daily lives. I wanted to create a trail guide that encourages folks to weave in a walking meditation into their waking reality, in a way that would reduce anxiety, and inspire relaxation as a way of everyday life. This book is an outgrowth of my spiritual path. I believe my book has the potential to help people transition into a New Age and Paradigm in a way that is in alignment with the flow of the Universe.

And can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Reiki Master. I typically start my day with a mixed-meditation/martial arts practice, that includes Taichi, Qigong, Chakra Balancing, and drumming/sitting meditation. As an LCSW working in Public Schools, my role is to bring a mental health perspective into the educational setting. As such, I am passionate about helping people remember to breathe, calm down, relax, and learn positive social skills. I am also a committed husband of 17 years to the woman of my dreams, a proud dad to an 11 year old daughter, a coach, cat/general animal lover, musician, athlete, and dedicated hiker. Also, I have a penchant for cornball humor, focusing on the positive, seeing the silver lining, and a tendency for cracking puns. I have good fortune to have meaningful work, and a supportive family of my spiritually-oriented lifestyle.

What inspired you to write your book?

I remember my mom telling me that I liked it when she read to me in the womb. When I was about three years old, and my dad took me to see Star Wars, which inspired my interest for universal storytelling. My Grandma took me local libraries for story hour – eventually turning me on to the Shell Silverstein, and Choose Your Own Adventure books. An elementary school teacher read us the Boxcar Children series. My Grandpa peaked my interest in the book format of The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes comics. An aunt took me to see Gloria Steinem when I was about six years old, then gifted me annual subscriptions to Sports Illustrated in High School, and Spy Magazine in College. My mom was a regular Rolling Stone reader that particularly caught my attention in Middle, High School, and College. Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Chuck D’s prose from Public Enemy have been powerful lyrical influences, along with literary expressions of folk, and blues music. During my later adolescence, and early adulthood, spiritual and political musings of Neal Donald Walsh, Eckart Tolle, Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Cornell West were strong revolutionary political influences. Growing up, I felt a personal connection to the provocative, and cutting-edge expressions of the Beat Generation, Flower Power, Native American, African-American, and other Indigenous and unconventional literary genres. Free-form style, and poetic prose feels natural to me. I see romantic poetry in everything, especially when presenting itself in everyday, mundane transactions.

What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?

I would like everyone on the planet today to remember to be mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behavior, find their voice, and consider recording their interaction with the world in a way that resonates. Just remember to breathe consciously, in a way that will transform your inner experience with reality, so you don’t sweat the arrival of pesky worries during your day to day operations. If readers have an open-hearted, and passive attitude in their approach, then they will hopefully feel more comfortable with meditation, and welcome the experience of inner peace. Subsequently, I feel a great joy in the potential for readers to watch themselves becoming the change they want to see in the world. I want folks to awaken to the reality that we are all spiritual beings having human experiences. This can become our new multi-dimensional playground as mind-body-spirit creatures. Through co-creation, we can become the change we want to see in the world, and relax into our own true power, without being on a positional power trip. You don’t have to work any harder, just shift your attitudinal mind-set.

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

I am working on a follow-up animal spirit calendar version to Something to Chew On. This will also include my aunt Barbara’s artwork that is featured in my first book, my own novel personal mantras to focus on during each month, and key spiritual dates during the calendar year to look forward to.

Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?

I am thankful to Reader’s Magnet for their help in marketing my book, and getting it displayed at the 2017 American Library Association Annual, on June 23, 2017. I am also very thankful to the Yarmouth Public Library, Gardiner Area High School Library, and Royal River Books for allowing my book to sit on their shelves. I am deeply grateful to iUniverse for publishing my book, and for their professional expertise.

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with iUniverse?

Crossing over the proverbial fence, and taking a leap of faith to work with professionals, was a vulnerable, and humbling experience. At the end of the day, I really appreciate iUniverse’s attention to detail, critical eye, and help in developing my writing. Further, given my propensity for being a dreamer, it was good for my self-esteem to follow through with this project, and bring it into the material realm. We all have a story to tell. Thank you for being interested in mine.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Just write about what peaks your interest, what you know about, or want to learn more about. Start taking field notes, and observe your musings from a position of curiosity and empathy. Gently let yourself follow through with producing something concrete in written form, in much the same way as setting the table, preparing a meal or doing yard work/gardening. With modern technology, there are many convenient ways to record your ruminations, and then revisit them with a reflective lens for personal editing. Allow yourself lean into your feelings, and develop intimacy. For me, writing isn’t about a popularity contest, or how much accolades, recognition or money you can make. I feel what really matters is getting to know myself on a deeper level, and inspiring others to do the same. It is about my personal interaction with the world. The personal is political. Being a bit of a wordsmith, there’s something to be said brevity – that sometimes less is more. It’s good to ask trusted people for their honest feedback, in the spirit of helping you develop your ability to give and receive. See yourself as part of a collective consciousness, where you are your own unique and diverse expression of a unified whole.